Electronic hand controls on the Motability Scheme are almost always electronic accelerator with a standard mechanical brake. They are designed for people who have a need for hand controls to operate the brake and accelerator but who also may suffer from upper body weakness. (The purpose of making the controls electronic is that they are extremely light and easy to operate compared to the mechanical variety).
As well as being some of the most technically advanced adaptations you will encounter on the Motability Scheme, they also come in all shapes and sizes for different people’s disabilities:
You can have Over Ring, Under Ring, Trigger, Twist Grip, Satellite, Floor mounted, Standard Push, Radial, etc… Not to mention the 5 or 6 different manufacturers listed on the Motability Scheme.
When it comes to adaptations, I would recommend that, as a Motability Specialist, you make sure your customer has had advice from an accredited Adaptation Specialist and/or Driving Assessment Centre. Assessing a customer’s requirements can be very complicated and there is a risk that, otherwise, they may end up with something that is unsuitable, causing real inconvenience to the customers (and yourselves).
Motability are now insisting that any Adaptation Specialists working with the Motability Scheme are fully trained and accredited by the Adaptation Manufacturers directly. This means the list of approved fitters around the country is now much smaller and this ensures that only the most experienced are able to fit these controls on the scheme.
Electronic Hand Controls are a fantastic product and have made it possible for many disabled drivers to drive when they would have struggled to do so with mechanical systems. However, seeking professional advice is essential before ordering.
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